Zenkoji Temple

History of Zenkoji

   The origin of Zenkoji Temple dates back to 602 A. D. when Mr. Yoshimitsu Yonda brought back and enshrined an image of Amida Buddha in the temple.  Zenkoji became one of the most important temples in Japan because of its practice of welcoming all pilgrims regardless of gender or creed.  As the religion of Zenkoji increased all around the country, it played an important role as the center of politics, economics, and culture of Japan.  The main temple, which dates from 1707 and took five years to complete, is a masterpiece of mid-Edo period Buddhist architecture.  Today various events and festivals are held at the temple and more than seven million people visit there every year.

Myth & Origin of Zenkoji Temple --- Translated by 1st-year students of General Course

Lecture & Demonstration on Zenkoji 
We were given a lecture on myth and the picture-story shows on Zenkoji Temple by our alumna, Ms. Kobayashi Reiko, Representative of Nagano  Local History Researchers Network.

October 23, 2002


Traditional Events---Gokaicho

The Image of Amida Buddha is considered one of the most sacred in Japan and has never  seen in public. Instead, an exact replica, the Maedachi Honzon, is shown to pilgrims once every seven years. Next Gokaicho is to take place in April and May 2003.

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The Main Hall

Sanmon Gate

Six stone statue of Jizo

The Bell

Nakamise Street Stores leading to the temple

Souvenir shop at Nakamise

The Main Hall
The present hall was completed in 1707. Many people and priests come here to worship a famous Buddhist images, which are thought to be the first to brought into Japan. A completely dark corridor runs underneath the hall and visitors try to find the Key to Paradise. Touching the key is said to insure that the believers will go to heaven.

Nakamise Street
The stone-paved approach from Nio Mon Gate to Sanmon Gate is lined on either side with souvenir shops, and Buddhist alter shops, and traditional Japanese inns, or "ryokan."

The Bell
At about midnight on New Year's Eve, they ring out the old year and ring in the new year.  According to Buddhist teaching, human beings have 108 worldly desires which are removed by striking the watch-night bell 108 times. The scene is shown on TV all around Japan every year.  The Nagano Winter Olympic Games began with the sound of this bell.